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Benito’s supposedly elite army of 50,000 completely fell apart.

It wasn’t total annihilation, but unfortunately, our 6th Legion also took some hits.

I wanted to pursue them, but both our legionnaires and the cavalry of the 13th Legion were entirely exhausted.

If we were to get counter-attacked there, it would end up a disappointing conclusion, so we decided to halt our chase for now.

Still, a great victory was indeed a great victory.

Over 20,000 had died in battle, and a similar number had been taken as prisoners.

Where did all those numbers go? It turns out fewer than 10,000 made it back to Benito.

King Benito is probably cursing Runen while spitting blood.

Ironically, the true culprit behind all this is none other than himself.

And that’s why the head is so important. Just look at our Empire. Right?

It’s not without reason. The emperor is an emperor. He pushes hard while respecting the battlefield’s atmosphere.

If such a powerful military isn’t nurtured in situations like this, it would make no sense at all.

‘Moreover, environmental factors played a significant role too.’

The Empire borders the North, South, East, and West.

Whether we like it or not, we’re bound to get accustomed to warfare. The legions are the clear proof of that.

This battle was clearly won because our legion’s combat strength had the advantage.

If we hadn’t, we would have fallen long before the decisive moment.

…Ah. No, if that were the case, we wouldn’t even have thought of launching an assault.

“It’s a great victory, a great victory! Could they have possibly known that the road home was the road to the afterlife!”

“Kahaha! Death must be quite busy! It’s collecting so many souls!”

Thanks to that, the atmosphere among the command of the 6th Legion was charged with excitement, ready to burst at any moment.

It felt like someone was about to shout, “Let’s sweep through to Benito now!”

It wasn’t just here; cheers from the soldiers in the distance mirrored that enthusiasm.

Though we did take some losses, the joy far outweighed the sorrow.

Once they return, they will forever shine as the heroes of a monumental victory.

‘Hmm.’

Here, I realized it was time for me to start acting as a “true leader.”

“Congratulations on the great victory, Legion Commander. And to all the commanders.”

“Oh ho! Prince Kael! Save the modesty for later! It was you, Prince Kael, who planned this magnificent victory from the start, wasn’t it?”

“The Commander is right. If Prince Kael were to step back, we’d be the worst scoundrels snatching away the prince’s credit.”

“Hahaha. No matter what, the credit of those who fought in the field should be more significant.”

“Considering it, Prince Kael has also been actively on the battlefield, so I think it’s all fine!”

At one commander’s words, others chimed in, “Right! Well said!” and started pounding the table.

The scene before me looked so much like silly teenage boys, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“It’s a relief to hear everyone say that. However, our work is not yet done. What I’m about to say next might dampen the joyous atmosphere a bit. Is that alright?”

At my words, the Legion Commander and the commanders instantly wiped the smiles off their faces.

They returned to a serious demeanor, focusing on me.

After all, who wouldn’t be a little intimidating when they’re at the core of the Imperial Legions?

“I will listen attentively, Prince Kael.”

“Thank you, Legion Commander. So, we should start preparing to return home.”

“Return home, you say?”

“Unfortunately, this is as far as we can go. An assault on Benito seems out of the question.”

Their expressions grew complex. They tried to appear nonchalant, but their surprise was evident.

It made sense. Having crippled Benito’s limbs, it was now just a matter of taking its head, yet to suggest retreating without accomplishing that would certainly be strange.

But soon they grasped their situation and began to murmur in agreement.

“We may have won, but our legion suffered quite a bit.”

“From Benito’s initial offensive to their last resistance, they proved formidable, though they were trained.”

“Our left flank suffered particularly heavy losses. The total casualties reached 4,000.”

From a total of 20,000, 4,000 casualties means effectively 8,000 were out of action.

While we might still have combat ability right now, the capacity for sustained warfare has diminished.

Additionally, the cavalry force of the 13th Legion also took some losses, so that needs consideration too.

“Above all, to directly assault Benito requires siege weapons. Yet our legion has not adequately prepared for that. Even if we procure materials on-site, it will take a considerable amount of time.”

“That’s the same for the 13th Legion.”

“Ultimately, it would take the 4th Legion and the 15th Legion to swap with us to have any chance, but even then, finding wood here is no easy task…”

The conditions for field combat and siege warfare are entirely different.

There’s just so much the attackers need to prepare.

They must manage, oversee, and pay close attention to everything.

“Ultimately though, even if we managed to occupy Benito, that could pose a problem.”

“However, Prince Kael, it was Benito who declared war on us. Even if we’ve severed their limbs, wouldn’t it be problematic if we couldn’t take out the king?”

I had to admit, that is true. Benito hasn’t expressed any intention of surrender, unlike the East.

In that situation, If the Empire decides to pull back, they’ll shout, “We’ve won!”

At the same time, they’ll claim the fight was a heartbreaking struggle with 50,000 troops shattered.

Though they lost, they’ll assert that the Empire also suffered too greatly and had to retreat.

You know, something along those lines. It’s so predictable.

“The higher-ups in the Empire will likely sort that out and inform us later.”

“…That’s true.”

“Yes. Regardless, what’s certain is this: we have achieved a great victory, and since we’ve paid quite a price, we must retreat.”

After all, what we aimed for wasn’t Benito but the core forces of Benito.

Having successfully completed that mission, there’s no problem in returning.

It would simply create an awkward atmosphere if we stubbornly pursued and ended up failing.

A person must know when to advance and when to retreat.

“And who knows? Circumstances may arise where we want to push further but can’t.”

That was mainly for the somewhat downcast commanders.

There was absolutely no other meaning behind it.

And precisely three days later.

“Prince Kael.”

“No, definitely not.”

“…Are you truly not a seer?”

“Definitely not.”

I had to endure those words from the Legion Commander and the commanders time and time again.

[ Dedorant. Entry into the Kingdom of Benito ]

*

The gates swung open, and soon a group of knights strode in.

Following them were grand soldiers, raising their flags high.

“Waah!!”

Everyone erupted in cheers at that sight. Thunderous applause!

But something felt off. This was the Kingdom of Atria in the West.

Yet the flag entering beyond the castle gate wasn’t Atria’s.

The black eagle emblem. Only one royal family uses that. Dedorant.

Both kingdoms share deep connections and have the same roots.

However, the two kingdoms are distinctly separate nations. Their armies aren’t supposed to come and go at will.

Yet the kingdom’s people welcomed the Dedorant army warmly.

Anyone else witnessing this scene might find it bizarre.

“People of the Kingdom of Atria!”

A moment later, a man climbed onto the podium and called out loudly to the kingdom’s people.

Using an amplification spell just in time, his words spread throughout the royal capital.

“Today’s gathering was made possible by the great royal family of Atria! At the same time, Atria and Dedorant, Dedorant and Atria are brother nations, and that’s why this is possible!”

In truth, it was subtly pressuring the utterly depleted royal family of Atria.

If they present themselves nicely now, they could reclaim all of the royal family’s authority and dignity.

However, should they continue to provoke, they might find themselves treated like a child getting scolded.

With that sentiment, the Atria royal family, which had already lost all its key figures, bowed down in submission.

It was only natural. They had already lost the king and the heir.

And by sheer misfortune, there were neither a successor to the heir nor any other successors available.

All that was left was to bring in distant relations, and Dedorant did not miss that chance.

If we think about it, the current royal family of Dedorant could be seen as distant cousins of the Atria royal family.

“First, for the great King of Atria who has returned to the side of the god, and for our merciful prince!”

Prince Georg Sistania of Dedorant, the actual ruler of Dedorant, showed themself making a cross gesture with utmost sincerity.

“…However, those great figures are no longer present. It is a lamentable matter. Nevertheless, the glory of Atria must continue. Your lives must go on. The Deo people are indeed great beings that advance through any trial!”

Cheers of “right!” erupted from all around.

Some were actual citizens of the kingdom, while others were hidden instigators.

Yet the ordinary citizens had no way of knowing that.

“I, Georg, have sworn before the gods for the infinite glory of the Deo people! Until my task is complete, I shall not fall! I shall fight solely for the prosperity of the Deo people! In return, I shall also fight for you as you are a great Deo people just like us in Dedorant!”

Were someone who had achieved nothing to declare such words, they would have faced ridicule.

Yet Prince Georg had truly proven his worth.

He repaid the afflictions suffered at the hands of DeGale, swept aside the domestic opposing factions, and afterwards dealt a single blow to DeGale, reclaiming all the western territory.

In Atria, DeGale was also a target of hatred.

Living in excessive pride.

Moreover, considering their lands weren’t particularly rich, it only made sense they’d see the affluent DeGale as a thorn in their side.

So Prince Georg, who crushed DeGale, received unprecedented popularity.

“If the great Atria and Dedorant unite, what on earth can’t we achieve! For the Deo people, by the Deo people, we shall undoubtedly build the most glorious and prosperous nation of the Deo people!”

After such a speech, which was met with cheers from the citizens of Atria, shortly after,

Dedorant officially succeeded in swallowing Atria whole.

This all happened at the same time as the Empire and Benito were clashing fiercely in the South.

“Your Highness the Prince. What’s next?”

“Time to head to Benito, I suppose.”

Georg’s expression revealed that just thinking about it made his head ache.

Initially, he had intended to cut off DeGale’s breath and put an end to Ross Tanika.

But given the circumstances, he couldn’t simply leave Benito be.

“We may excessively provoke the Empire.”

“That’s something we must avoid, one way or another.”

After contemplating for a moment, Georg swiftly moved on to the next plan.

Sending a diplomatic envoy to the Empire led by his half-brother, who was now a dignified prince of Dedorant.

In their possession would be the royal letter from the King of Dedorant.

[ To His Majesty the Great Emperor of the Empire, the King of Dedorant… ]

It was something no one could believe was written by a legitimate king of a kingdom.

The content was so humiliating that even the observer might feel embarrassed.

 

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